The impressive 65 foot Barbara McLellan trip boat is based at the wharf in Bradford on Avon, just above Bradford Lock and very close to the Canal Trust Café. We offer a relaxing cruise along one of the most beautiful sections of the Kennet and Avon Canal. Our cream tea trips to Avoncliff Aqueduct are very popular and a few times a year we head on to the splendid Dundas Aqueduct with a ploughman’s lunch included in the ticket price.
Whilst most of our passengers book online – safest if you wish to guarantee a seat on board – there are a limited number of tickets for our regular Avoncliff trips available for purchase at the Canal Trust Cafe on the day.
You are able to charter the boat, with a full crew, for a special occasion or a group outing. We can run Charters on a number of days free from our scheduled trips and depending on the availability of our amazing volunteers. Find out more about chartering our boat.
Our licensed bar offers a selection of simple refreshments and can be enjoyed on all our trips. Card only payments please!
We have an electric lift that can take a standard, self propelled size wheelchair or provide easy access for those with reduced mobility. The lift can only be used in conjunction with the gangway , when the boat is securely tied up to the wharf. It cannot be used anywhere else during a trip.
We welcome registered assistance dogs only and thank you for understanding that as our seats are upholstered, they will need to remain on the floor.
You will receive a reminder email the day prior to your trip. Please be ready for boarding 15-20 minutes before the trip departure time. Canal traffic and particularly lock traffic is unpredictable so durations and return times are approximate.
Take a look here to find out more details about available trips and see what other people think on our Trip Advisor page. Keep an eye on our social media for our latest activity.
Our boat is operated by volunteers. If you would like to get involved with trip operations we are always on the look out for volunteers in January/February time so new recruits can undertake safety training and be ready for the new season. Please get in touch.
Departure location
The Barbara McLellan is moored at Bradford on Avon Wharf, just above Bradford Lock off the Frome Road (B3109). The best postcode is BA15 1LE. You can find more location details here.
Pay & Display car parking is available immediately beside the canal in the Canal and River Trust car park at the end of Baileys Barn (BA15 1BW), or at the railway station car park which is a 10 minute walk away. Blue Badge holders park for free in any space if the designated spaces are already taken.
Boat trip terms and conditions can be found here
Nearest public toilets are in Station Car Park, 56 Frome Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1LA, a return walk of approx 25 mins.
We are sorry that boarding cannot begin until 20 mins prior to departure time as crew have to carry out a number of safety & preparatory tasks first.
